Colón Free Zone is a strategic asset for Panama, Chamber of Commerce defends

The Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama (Cciap) has strongly defended the Colón Free Zone (ZLC), characterizing it as one of Panama's primary strategic assets. The organization stressed that bolstering the ZLC necessitates a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to maintain Panama's competitive edge as a regional logistics and commercial hub.

According to Cciap, the ZLC's nearly eight-decade history of connecting markets, generating employment, and attracting investment makes it an indispensable component of Panama's logistical platform. "The Colón Free Zone is one of Panama's main strategic assets. Its historical capacity over nearly eight decades to connect markets, generate employment, and attract investment makes it an essential piece of our logistics and commercial platform," stated the Chamber.

Public investment exceeding $254 million is seen as a turning point for the commercial hub's development. Cciap anticipates that the new "New Field" project will attract companies in manufacturing, assembly, logistics, and high-value services. Furthermore, modernizing the DMCE and Colón Puerto Libre systems is expected to improve operational traceability, streamline processes, and boost overall efficiency.

Cciap President Aurelio Barría Pino noted that the ZLC's competitiveness now depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on robust technological infrastructure. He deemed these elements crucial for solidifying Panama's position as the region's leading logistics hub. The Chamber also highlighted advancements in transparency and security, including the establishment of the first Compliance Office, BASC auditor certification, ISO 9001 maintenance, and technological integration between the DMCE system and the National Customs Authority. These measures are credited with strengthening governance, traceability, and continuous improvement.

Cciap also emphasized ongoing coordination with various government institutions, such as the National Customs Authority, the Financial Analysis Unit, and the Ministry of Public Security. The incorporation of a Monitoring and Video Surveillance Center, intelligent control systems, and cooperation with the U.S. government to enhance inspection capabilities further bolster the ZLC's operational capacity. These developments aim to enable the Colón Free Zone to respond more effectively to international trade demands, diversify its offerings, and capitalize on opportunities from regional economic integration, including trade relations with Mercosur countries.

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The Colón Free Zone is one of Panama's main strategic assets. Its historical capacity over nearly eight decades to connect markets, generate employment, and attract investment makes it an essential piece of our logistics and commercial platform.